First 5 builds the early childhood systems and supports needed to ensure California’s young children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.
As a voice for the state’s youngest kids, we bring together partners and leverage funding sources to strengthen systems of care through advocacy, collaboration, innovation and communications.
First 5 Local Commissions
When voters passed Proposition 10, they launched a new model of responsive public agencies. In each of the 58 counties, the First 5 Commission, made up of local community leaders, experts, and advocates, provides oversight for the First 5’s activities.
First 5 Association
The First 5 Association
Sets strategic vision, coordinates state policy, assists with advocacy, manages collective knowledge, supports regional and local capacity building. The Association is a nonprofit public benefit corporation. The work of the Association is also supported by a separate organization, the California Children and Families Foundation, which is a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). The Foundation conducts regional and statewide projects that assist county commissions and the children and families they serve, complementing the activities of the Association.
First 5 California
First 5 California
The State Commission initiates and funds statewide early childhood development projects, conducts research, advocates at the State and Federal level, and builds public awareness via large media and public education campaigns. Learn more on their website.